BFA loses out as Zim opts for Orlando Stadium
Mqondisi Dube | Friday February 28, 2020 15:18
Continental body, CAF barred Zimbabwe from playing any home matches, owing to sub-standard pitches.
BFA had expressed its willingness to host the neighbouring country’s tie against African champions, Algeria next month. On Wednesday, BFA marketing and public relations officer, Tumo Mpatane had said if approached, they were open to hosting the match.
Francistown’s Obed Itani Chilume Stadium was seen as an attractive option due to its close proximity to Zimbabwe.
“There has been no contact, but should they need our help or assistance, I believe we would make the necessary arrangements to ensure that they are given all the assistance. But we are hopeful that whatever situation they find themselves in regarding the facilities, we hope they can make strides and rectify it,” Mpatane said before Zimbabwe took a decision to play at the Orlando Stadium.
Botswana has three stadiums, Lobatse, National and the Obed Itani Chilume, which are CAF approved, and could have been utilised by Zimbabwe.
Particular interest was on the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium, which is just 80km from the Zimbabwe border. Botswana is in the same group with the two countries in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, with Zambia, the fourth team. It would have been particularly ideal for Botswana to host the Zimbabwe-Algeria tie, which would have given the Zebras technical staff, a close-up look at their opponents.
Botswana’s Zebras are still to play Zimbabwe (at home) and Algeria (away) in the qualifiers.
The Zebras are winless in Group H, with one point after holding Zimbabwe to a draw. While Zimbabwe and Algeria play back-to-back at the end of the month, the Zebras face Zambia’s Chipolopolo, hoping to kick their campaign into life.